There passed a bier (being carried by people) and it was lauded in good terms. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: It has become certain, it has become certain, it has become certain. And there passed a bier and it was condemned in bad words. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: It has become certain, it has become certain, it has become certain. 'Umar said: May my father and mother be ransom for you! There passed a bier and it was praised in good terms, and you said: It has become certain, it has become certain, it has become certain. And there passed a bier and it was condemned in bad words, and you said: It has become certain, it has become certain, it has become certain. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (way peace be upon him) said: He whom you praised in good terms, Paradise has become certain for him, and he whom you condemned in bad words, Hell has become certain for him. You are Allah's witnesses in the earth, you are Allah's witnesses in the earth, you are Allah's witnesses in the earth.
Narrated by Anas b. Malik reported:
Context
Anas b. Malik reports that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of how people speak about the deceased. When a bier was praised, he affirmed its certainty of Paradise, and when condemned, he indicated the certainty of Hell. This highlights the significance of reputation and the impact of words.
Modern Application
This hadith serves as a reminder of the power of words in life and death. It encourages individuals to speak positively about others, fostering a culture of respect and kindness, especially regarding those who have passed away.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Afterlife and Funeral Rites because it addresses the consequences of how individuals are spoken about after death and the importance of honoring their memory.
O you who have believed, testimony [should be taken] among you when death approaches one of you at the time of bequest - [that of] two just men from among you or two others from outside if you are traveling through the land and the disaster of death should strike you. Detain them after the prayer and let them both swear by Allah if you doubt [their testimony, saying], "We will not exchange our oath for a price, even if he should be a near relative, and we will not withhold the testimony of Allah. Indeed, we would then be of the sinful."
سُورَةُ الوَاقِعَةِ
Al-Waaqia (The Inevitable)
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
1 ayah
فَأَمَّآ إِن كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُقَرَّبِينَ
And if the deceased was of those brought near to Allah,
[Remember] when you were on the near side of the valley, and they were on the farther side, and the caravan was lower [in position] than you. If you had made an appointment [to meet], you would have missed the appointment. But [it was] so that Allah might accomplish a matter already destined - that those who perished [through disbelief] would perish upon evidence and those who lived [in faith] would live upon evidence; and indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing.